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Useful Links

This page contains links to additional information about disability and employment. The links contain information for all of DBTAC customers including business organizations, rehabilitation providers, employers, and people with disabilities. Links to resources specific to assistive technology, accessible web pages, building codes, and transportation support are also available.

Federal Resources

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

www.eeoc.gov

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the employment regulations of the ADA. The EEOC website has information on the employment rights of individuals with disabilities, veteran's rights, and employers' responsibilities to make reasonable accommodations. EEOC publications may be useful for ADA workplace questions about specific disabilities or the food service and small business industries.

Department of Labor

http://www.dol.gov/

The Department of Labor (DOL) website has resources to assist individuals with disabilities to find a job or self-employment opportunity including employment rights. For employers, the Office of Disability Employment Policy website and publications have advice on recruiting, retaining, and developing employees with disabilities.

Department of Justice

http://www.usdoj.gov/
http://www.ada.gov/

The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces the business services and local & state government regulations of the ADA. The DOJ's publication "ADA Questions and Answers" explains clearly the practical applications of the ADA. The DOJ website has ADA Regulation and Technical Assistance Manuals which explain the ADA and other Disability Rights Laws. There is a hotline number for individuals who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of disability by a business or government entity.

Department of Transportation

http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/civil_rights_2360.html

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration works to ensure equal access to transportation systems for individuals with disabilities. Information about the assistance hotline for public transportation questions, filing a rider complaint, and National Transit Institute training courses is available on the website.

Social Security Administration

http://www.ssa.gov/

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) website guides users through applying for Disability Benefit. The SSA Work Site explains Ticket to Work, a program which provides eligible beneficiaries access to vocational support from the Employment Network with the goal of long-term employment.

Rehabilitation Services Administration

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/index.html

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) funds grants for programs that help individuals with disabilities to gain employment and live more independently. There are approximately 20 grant programs. For each program, there is information about the range of grant values previously awarded and a description of eligible project work.

Access Board

http://www.access-board.gov/

Access Board is a federal agency that develops guidelines to ensure that buildings, transportation, and telecommunications technology are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The website contains federal guidelines and standards and information on making a complaint about inaccessible facilities.

ADA Portal

http://www.adagreatlakes.org/Publications/ADAPortal/

The ADA Portal is a searchable database of over 7,000 documents on the ADA that cover both legal and practical issues. The documents can be searched by search terms or topic.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management

http://www.opm.gov/disability/index.asp

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management website is designed to assist federal agencies in recruiting and retaining candidates with a disability. The website provides information about disability laws and executive orders and Agency Selective Placement Program Coordinators who consult on effectively recruiting and making reasonable accommodations for candidates with a disability. For people with a disability seeking a federal job, there is a section about employment opportunities.

Business Support

National DBTAC

http://www.adata.org/

National Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) is a network comprised of ten regional centers that provide ADA information and resources to employers, individuals with disabilities, and other interested parties. DBTAC offers training sessions in various formats, a confidential Technical Assistance hotline, and publications among other resources.

Business Leadership Network

http://www.usbln.org/

The U.S. Business Leadership Network (BLN) is an employer-led membership organization that seeks to improve the employment opportunities for individuals with a disability through businesses sharing employment best practices. There are no BLN local chapters in New York, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.

New Jersey Business Leadership Network

http://www.njbln.org/index.html

Job Accommodation Network

http://www.jan.wvu.edu/

The Job Accommodation Network strives to increase the recruitment and retention of employees with a disability by them with providing resources and support. JAN offers a free consulting service on the accommodation process to employers. JAN assists employees and job seekers by providing tips on the job search and application process and resources on reasonable accommodations such as a sample reasonable accommodation request form. JAN's website also has a "Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)" among other resources.

Rehabilitation Resources

VCU-RRTC

www.worksupport.com

The Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports and Job Retention (VCU-RRTC) works to increase the employment and advancement of individuals with disabilities by researching the effectiveness of different accommodations in the workplace. The VCU-RRTC offers several on-line courses. The resource section of the website contains documents on policy and physical changes in the workplace to support employees.

Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service is responsible for rehabilitating veterans with a service-related disability and facilitating the transition into employment or independent living.

New York, Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities

http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/

The Office of Vocational and Education Services for Individuals offers Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Special Education for Students with Disabilities ages 3-21, and Independent Living Services.

New Jersey, Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Vocational Rehabilitation

http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/dvrs/DVRIndex.html

The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services offers services to individuals with disabilities, employers, and vendors to facilitate the recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Virgin Islands, Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services, State Department of Human Services

The Virgin Islands Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services does not have a website but the division can be contacted at the information below.

Knud Hansen Complex, Building A
1303 Hospital Ground
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: (340) 774-0930 x4190
Fax: (340) 774-7773
TTY: (340) 776-2043
Email: bcplaskett@hotmail.com

Puerto Rico, Vocational Rehabilitation Administration, Department of Labor and Human Resources

http://www.arv.gobierno.pr

The Puerto Rico Vocational Rehabilitation Administration's (VRA) website is in Spanish. The VRA can be contacted at the information below.

P.O. Box 191118
San Juan, PR 00919-1118
Phone: (787) 727-0445
Fax: (787) 728-8070
TTY: (787) 268-3735
Email: bcplaskett@hotmail.com

Assistive Technology

ABLEDATA

http://www.abledata.com/

The ABLEDATA website is a good source for information on assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment. The resources on the website include a catalog of assistive technology and rehabilitating products, information about organizations, conferences, and news that focus on accessibility and assistive technology, and ABLEDATA publications.

RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America)

http://www.resna.org

RESNA seeks to help people with disabilities accomplish their goals by supporting the research, education, advocacy, and use of assistive technology. RESNA is a membership organization that provides access to journal archives, networking opportunities, and discount to its members. RESNA certifies assistive technology service providers who met the technical standards. There is a tool to find local certified providers on the website.

National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership

http://69.89.27.238/%7Eresnaorg/taproject/at/stateprograms.html

The National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership provides information about funding for assistive technology, demonstrations of technology, and technology re-utilization programs

Public Website on Assistive Technology

http://assistivetech.net/

The Public Website on Assistive Technology product search helps the user easily find appropriate assistive technology by selecting an activity, a sub-activity, and a product type.

Traid-In Equipment Exchange Program

http://www.cqcapd.state.ny.us/AssistTechTRAID/traidintro.htm

Traid-In Equipment Exchange Program is a New York State program that seeks to match people who wish to donate unused assistive technology with people who have a need for that technology. Interested parties fill out a form about their donation or request. If a match is made the parties have one month to determine the terms of the agreement.

Wheelchairnet

http://www.wheelchairnet.org/

Wheelchairnet is an online community for consumers, manufactures, clinicians, legislators, and others interested in wheelchair use to interact. The "Community Living Resources" provide resources on topics such as "Parenting and Using a Wheelchair." "Wheelchair University" presents education and research on wheelchairs and the use of wheelchairs.

State Assistive Technology Programs

The 56 state and territory programs are funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. State Assistive Technology Act programs work to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance. Additionally, the programs support activities designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, and advocates to access and obtain assistive technology devices and services.

NYS Commission on Quality Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (CQCAPD)

401 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
Phone/TTY: 518-388-2888
Phone/TTY: 800-624-4143 (In State)
Fax: 518-388-2890
Email: webmaster@cqcapd.state.ny.us
Web: http://www.cqcapd.state.ny.us

Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) of NJ P&A

New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
210 South Broad Street, 3rd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608
Project Director: Curtis Edmonds
Phone: 609-292-9742
Phone: 800-922-7233 (In State)
TTY: 609-633-7106
Fax: 609-777-0187
Email: cedmonds@njpanda.org
Web: http://www.njpanda.org

Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program

University of Puerto Rico
Central Administration/FILIUS Instituto
Assistive Technology Institute
Jardin Botanico Sur
1187 Calle Flamboyan
San Juan, PR 00926-1117

Program Director: Maria I. Miranda
Phone: 888-496-6035 (National)
Phone: 800-981-6033 (In Puerto Rico)
Fax: 787-754-8034
TTY: 787-767-8034 Phone: 787-764-6035
Phone: 787-764-6042
Email: pratp@pratp.upr.edu
Web: http://www.pratp.upr.edu

U. S. Virgin Islands Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID)

University of the Virgin Islands/UCE
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, U.S. VI 00801-0990

Executive Director: Yegin Habtes
Phone: 340-693-1323
Fax: 340-693-1325
Email: yhabtes@uvi.edu
Web: http://www.uvi.edu/pub-relations/VIUCEDD/index.htm

Web Accessibility Resources

University of Washington: Do-It (Disability Opportunity Internetworking and Technology)

http://www.washington.edu/doit/

Do-It produces publications and videos focus on accessible information technology and assistive technology. There is also some information on mentoring and success in post-secondary education.

Employment and Disability Institute: Web Accessibility Toolkit

http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/webaccesstoolkit/index.cfm

The Web Accessibility Toolkit is video and text instructions of how to make college websites accessible. The toolkit includes videos, instructions, and checklists of accessible features.

Section 508

http://www.section508.gov/

Section 508 is an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act which requires all federal agencies to make their electronic information and resources accessible for individuals with a disability. The website has information about electronic accessibility laws and regulations and training. Businesses could benefit from the training which training covers topics ranging from buying accessible technology to holding accessible events.

Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics

http://www.bls.gov/

The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects labor statistics and other information about the labor economy that focus on inflation, employment and unemployment rates, pay & benefits, productivity, and workplace injuries. Disability as it effects employment (i.e. employment rates of people with disabilities, disability benefits, etc.) is explicitly discussed in some of the measurements and publications.

Employment and Disability Institute: Disability Statistics

http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/DisabilityStatistics/

Employment and Disability Institute (EDI) publishes an Annual Disability Status Report of statistics on the employment and economic status of people with disabilities, broken down by impairment. The EDI website has a tool which allows you to search disability statistics from different survey organizations. Additionally, there is a glossary of disability statistics terms which explains how different values are determined.

HR Resources

Disability & HR: Tips for Human Resource (HR) Professionals

http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/hr_tips/home.cfm

The Disability & HR website is designed to facilitate recruiting and retaining job candidates and employees with a disability. The website has several checklists to help HR Professionals ensure workplace policies are accessible. There are articles on the topics such as Disability Nondiscrimination Regulations and a glossary of HR and disability terms.

Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)

http://www.shrm.org/

SHRM produces information about disability as it relates to HR policies. This information can only be accessed by SHRM members.

Employee Assistance and Recruiting Network (EARN)

http://www.earnworks.com/

EARN offers services to match employers with qualified job candidates. For employers, EARN provides a free disability employment consulting services and free job postings. EARN offers tips on the job application process and notification of new job postings for jobseekers.

Accessible Employment

http://www.accessibleemployment.org/

Accessible Employment works to increase the employment opportunities for candidates with a disability. On the website employers can post jobs and jobseekers can post their resume.

Building Codes

ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Building and Facilities (ADAAG)

http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm

The ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Building and Facilities describe the federal guidelines for accessibility in technical detail. The ADAAG are written by the Access Board. Please note that aspects of states' building codes may be more onerous, therefore we encourage you to consult state building codes as well before building.

New York building codes


New Jersey building codes

http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/newjersey/

The New Jersey Building Codes website provides the New Jersey Building, Residential, Mechanical, Energy Conservation, and Fuel Gas Codes.

Puerto Rico building codes

www.arpe.org/reg/PR%20Building%20Code_08-dic-1999.doc

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Regulation and Permits Administration (ARPE) website lists the building code. Please note that the building code link above is in English, but the ARPE website is in Spanish.

Virgin Islands building codes

http://michie.lexisnexis.com/virginislands/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=

The Virgin Islands building codes are found on the website under the Virgin Islands Code: "Title 29 Public Planning and Development, Chapter 5 Building Code."

Transition Support Resources

Connecting to Success: Electronic-mentoring

http://ici.umn.edu/ementoring/overview.html

The goal of electronic mentoring is to students' confidence and communication skills so that they achieve more in school and the workplace and also to teach businesses about the abilities of students with a disability. The program starts by schools connecting with a business then students are in weekly contact with their mentor by email. The e-mentoring is supported by events within the school.

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability works to ensure workforce development services successfully prepare young adults with a disability for the workplace. The website discusses the skills necessary to work with youth. It also provides publications about running effective mentoring and workforce development programs.

CareerOneStop Centers

http://www.careeronestop.org/COS_Aboutus.aspx

The CareerOneStop Centers offer information and resources about the job application process to help jobseekers obtain employment. The Centers can also help jobseekers find an appropriate training or apprenticeship. The website links listed below state the location of and contact information for local centers within the particular state.


Protection and Advocacy Agencies

State Protection and Advocacy Agencies protect the rights of individuals with a disability by providing referral, administrative, and legal services.

New Jersey Protection and Advocacy Agency

NJ Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
210 South Broad Street, 3rd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 292-9742
Toll Free: (800) 922-7233
TTY: (609) 633-7106
Email: advocate@njpanda.org
Web: http://www.njpanda.org

New York Protection and Advocacy Agency

NYS Commission on Quality of Care & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
401 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305-2303
Phone: (518) 388-2892
TDD: (800) 624-4143
Email: marcel.chaine@cqcapd.state.ny.us
Web: http://www.cqcapd.state.ny.us

Puerto Rico Protection and Advocacy Agency

Office of the Governor- Ombudsman for the Disabled
P.O. Box 41309
San Juan, PR 00940-1309
Phone: (787) 721-4299
Toll Free: (800) 981-4125
TTD: (787) 725-2333
TTY: (787) 721-4014
Email: eramos@oppi.gobierno.pr
Web: http://www.oppi.gobierno.pr (Note: the website is in Spanish)

Virgin Islands Protection and Advocacy Agency

Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands
63 Estate Cane Carlton
Frderiksted, VI 00840
Phone: (340) 772-1200
TTD: (340) 772-4641
Email: info@drcvi.org
Web: http://www.drcvi.org

Foreign Language Materials

U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC)

http://www.eeoc.gov

Fact Sheets on ADA Discrimination:


The Department of Justice: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

http://www.ada.gov/publicat.htm#Anchor-14210

Documents in Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Tagalog and Vietnamese can be obtained via the ADA hotline (1-800-514-0301).

Los documentos siguientes están disponsibles en español en el sitio web (the following documents are available in Spanish on the website):

Otros documentos estan disponsible par telefono a 1-800-514-0301 (other documents are available by phone at 1-800-514-0301).

Department of Transportation (DOT)

http://www.dot.gov/new/index.htm

Accessibility Information: http://www.dot.gov/citizen_services/disability/disability.html (available only in English)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

http://www.hud.gov

Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity: Disability Rights and Resources: http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/index.cfm
En Español: http://espanol.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/index.cfm?lang=es

New York State Division of Human Rights

http://www.dhr.state.ny.us

Mission Statement: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/mission.html
En Español: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/mission_spanish.html
In Chinese: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/mission_chinese.html
In Russian: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/mission_russian.html

How to File a Complaint: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/how_to_file_a_complaint.html
En Español: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/how_to_file_a_complaint_spanish.html
In Chinese: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/how_to_file_a_complaint_chinese.html
In Russian: http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/how_to_file_a_complaint_russian.html

New Jersey Civil Rights Commission

http://www.nj.gov/oag/dcr/commission.html

Publications, Forms, and Fact Sheets: http://www.nj.gov/oag/dcr/library.html#factsheets
Various forms are available in English, Arabic, Punjabi, Urdu, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos del Puerto Rico:

http://www.dtrh.gobierno.pr
(Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources- available only in Spanish)

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Labor:

http://www.vidol.gov
(documents available only in English)







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